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King's Inns as alternative to Masters

  • 25-02-2014 10:48pm
    #1
    ThirdMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭


    I'm wondering if King's Inns is a good alternative to doing a Masters degree? The brochure does a good job of selling the 'transferable skills' that one develops on the course, but is it pointless doing it unless you intend working as a barrister? I know a couple of people that done the NY Bar Exam as an alternative to a Masters and it worked out quite well for them. Could King's Inns be used in this way or is it a bad idea?


Comments

  • #2
    NoQuarter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,632 ✭✭✭NoQuarter


    ThirdMan wrote: »
    I'm wondering if King's Inns is a good alternative to doing a Masters degree? The brochure does a good job of selling the 'transferable skills' that one develops on the course, but is it pointless doing it unless you intend working as a barrister? I know a couple of people that done the NY Bar Exam as an alternative to a Masters and it worked out quite well for them. Could King's Inns be used in this way or is it a bad idea?

    The question doesnt make too much sense as they are completely different things. The BL degree isnt really an "alternative" to a masters as much as it's a completely different qualification and direction.

    It has been said a number of times on this forum that the BL can be used without going to practice at the Bar. First and foremost, it qualifies you as a lawyer while a masters does not. Even if you decide not to go to the Bar, you are still a qualified lawyer after it. So for me personally, the BL is miles ahead of a masters in what you achieve from it.


  • #3
    ThirdMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭ThirdMan


    Thanks for your reply. I guess 'alternative' was the wrong word. I'm finished my degree this year but I'm still undecided about what I want to do next. I just want the best bang for my buck. That would have been a better way of phrasing the question. From your post I can see that the BL is a better option in that respect.

    I didn't realise that you qualify as a lawyer after the BL. I always thought deviling was part of the process. So is deviling just about building up a practice? Do many people qualify as lawyers then work outside of the Bar?


  • #4
    NoQuarter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,632 ✭✭✭NoQuarter


    ThirdMan wrote: »
    I didn't realise that you qualify as a lawyer after the BL. I always thought deviling was part of the process. So is deviling just about building up a practice? Do many people qualify as lawyers then work outside of the Bar?

    No, you're qualified as soon as you're called to the Bar by the Chief Justice which is in the summer after you pass the King's Inns (if you pass, there are always some that fail).

    I'd say a decent percent, maybe 15% or so dont devil and go off elsewhere to work with their BL. Some go work and come down a year later. Some devil for a year or two and then go off.

    There's a million routes, you need to sort out what exactly you want to do first and then adapt to that.


  • #5
    Bepolite
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,737 ✭✭✭Bepolite


    A masters degree will allow you to covert to Canada and may be looked upon more favourably by US employers. Anyone I know who has done the NY bar is back over here for one reason or another YMMV.

    To be blunt, you've qualified with an undergraduate law degree, you're not (or should not be) in a position where you cant take an objective view to researching your options. Make a decision but make sure you explored all the option. I grant you asking here is one such approach, but it certainly shouldn't e the only one.

    Best of luck to you OP.


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